McDonald’s latest attempt to shed its unhealthy image backfired this week, after a fitness tracker happy meal toy was claimed to bring out its users in a rash.

McDonald’s was hoping the Step It! Activity Band would be a means of getting kids to be more active.

However, on Wednesday, it voluntarily removed the device from its restaurants and was “investigating” the issue.

McDonald’s said the fitness trackers will be replaced with a different toy, the company said.

McDonald’s was marketing the wristbands in the US and Canada as a way to help keep children active.

They were designed to measure the wearer’s movement and used blinking lights to indicate how quickly or slowly the person was moving.

The release was timed to coincide with the US school holidays and the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

It was reportedly a bid to improve the image of the restaurant, which has been associated with unhealthy eating.

McDonald’s US representative Terri Hickey said on Thursday the firm had taken the “swift” step of removing them “after receiving limited reports of potential skin irritations that may be associated from wearing the band”.

“Nothing is more important to us than the safety of our customers and we are fully investigating this issue. Our restaurants are now offering our youngest guests an alternative Happy Meal toy,” added Hickey.